Keeshond

Book excerpt: Once saluted on passing vessels as the Dutch Barge Dog, the Keeshond sets sail today as one of the world’s most recognizable spitz breeds. With its classic gray coloration, harsh off-standing coat, lionlike ruff, characteristic trousers, and expressive spectacle markings around its eyes, the Keeshond is unmistakably pure and distinctive in every way. Historically used as a watchdog, the Keeshond (pronounced kayz-hawnd) is alert and keenly intuitive, traits that make him a competent protector of home and property. This Comprehensive Owner’s Guide provides an insightful look at the history of the breed, tracing the evolution of Nordic spitz dogs in Asia and Europe, the emergence of the Dutch breed as distinctive from its German Wolfspitz relative, and the spread of the breed to England and America. The chapter on the breed’s characteristics provides a useful portrait of this intelligent and active breed, which for the experienced owner can make a dependable and affectionate companion. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.